Lemuel, CEO of Electricfil ENGINE Components (Wuhan) Co in the Asia-Pacific region, receives his new ID card in Wuhan on Dec 1. [Photo provided to chinaopticsvalley.com]

On Dec 1, the new version of China's Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card was officially issued and came into use. Four foreigners from France and Lebanon have obtained this card in Wuhan.

The new version incorporates the five-star element that represents the national emblem. Hence, it is also referred to as the "five-star card". It is issued by the National Immigration Administration and serves as the legal identification document for foreigners granted permanent residence in China. Cardholders can use it as personal identification without presenting their foreign passports.

Lemuel, CEO of Electricfil ENGINE Components (Wuhan) Co in the Asia-Pacific region. He and his wife have been living in China for 16 years. As a professional technician, he was approved to have this card.

Compared to the old version, the five-star card has been upgraded regarding layout design and technological improvements, enhancing card information storage and application management.

The card number's length has been increased from 15 digits to 18, including codes for foreigner identification, nationality, and the place of application. Each person has a unique number that remains unchanged for life.

Permanent resident foreigners can use their ID cards to handle various affairs such as finance, education, healthcare, transportation, accommodation, communication, work, taxation, social insurance, property registration, and litigation within China.